Baristaville artist and filmmaker Emily Konopinski has seen a lot of life and had her share of struggles since she graduated MSU and served in the United States Air Force. She has learned to live with the symptoms of Lupus and has blossomed into a prolific artist. Konopinski’s solo show, Continental Divide: Drawings, Paintings and Other Marks, will open on Saturday, June 4 at the Arts Unbound gallery in the Valley Arts District.
While serving in the United States Air Force, Emily was diagnosed with systemic Lupus. She took up painting and sculpture as a way of managing the loss of fine motor skills, memory and focus.
“I was having a hard time completing simple everyday tasks, like braiding my hair and making my bed, and my doctor recommended that I try painting to help boost my fine motor skills. So I took his advice, and right from the start, working with paint centered me, and helped with my overall health.”
Emily regards art as a source of great joy in her life and a tool for recovery and healing. She received her BA in Fine Arts from the School of Arts at Montclair State University and is now an art instructor for young artists in her hometown of Maplewood.
Konopinski is no stranger to a gallery. She had her first solo show, called FUNNY PAPERS, in 2008 at the Framing Mill in Maplewood, while she was still a student at Montclair State, as well as a group show there the following year.
“Emily’s work emulates her musical and artistic talents through repetitive rhythms and a collaboration of color and texture,” says Robert Ramos, Gallery Director. “Unique works like Emily’s wakes up the senses, and helps people to realize that fine art not only captivates our visual senses but can instrumentally engage them all.”
After encouragement from family, friends and professors, Konopinski decided to share her work with the public. Konopinski told Baristanet that “I enjoy sharing my work, and finding out how it makes others feel and hearing their unique reactions.”
An artist reception will take place from 6-9 p.m. on June 4. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 10:30-2:30 (also by appointment).
You can read about Konopinski’s reflections on serving in the armed forces here.
For more information about Continental Divide, click here:
Arts Unbound 542/544 Freeman Street, Orange, NJ 07050; 973 675 2787
